Launching the 104th Ballymoney Show

BALLYMONEY Show held its Annual Sponsors Reception at Leslie Hill Open Farm. A good crowd were in attendance to hear about the forthcoming plans for this years show and to hear our guest speaker for the evening Mr Richard Halloran.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd May 2011, 12:14 BST

Richard, an accomplished Agricultural Journalist, spoke about the challenges facing farmers today as part of a global infrastructure to meet the increasing world food demand and if the future of agriculture in N.I should be regarded as a ‘sunrise or sunset’ industry. He congratulated Ballymoney Show on its successful history and in particular praised the efforts of the members of the 3 YFC clubs affiliated to the show namely Finvoy, Kilraughts & Moycraig who work together so well to ensure smooth running of the event. His comments for the evening left the audience in no doubt that there is a strong future for farming in NI, and our Annual Show is the ideal platform to showcase what an important role farmers play in both our economy and community.

The event also marked the official launch of Ballymoney Show hitting the World Wide Web – yes you can now read about what’s on offer at Ballymoney Show, check out the schedules of classes for entry, download entry forms, make a booking for trade space and see a listing of our sponsors. Be sure to check it out it’s:- www.ballymoneyshow.org

Forthcoming plans for this years’ show were also revealed:-

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This years’ show to be held on 3rd & 4th June promises a fun day out for all the family. Already we have a large number of exhibitors booked and the space in our craft and country markets marquee is filling up! Once again we have a very enthusiastic show committee working hard in the background to ensure a successful 104th Show. Thanks must be extended to the generosity of the farming community and businesses province wide, which enable the presentation of generous prizes to exhibitors in all classes. We are especially indebted to those sponsors who faithfully support us year on year despite the present economic difficulties and are delighted to welcome the return of some previous years sponsors and the addition of several new sponsors – your financial contribution is much appreciated.

Show Attractions

Friday evening the 3rd June promises entertainment for all ages. Amongst other things there’ll be our ever popular Pet Show, Childrens’ Entertainers, the County Antrim YFC Football Competition, Tug – O –War and a programme of entertainment on stage from 6.30pm.

For those of you who can’t make it on Friday night, not to worry, because Saturday will host a showcase of events as well! So there’ll be plenty for all the family to choose from to ensure an enjoyable day out!

Horse and Pony Section

The Association is pleased to advise the continuation of a number of Qualifiers in the Horse and Pony Section, with Ballymoney Borough Council the primary sponsor of Champion and Reserve in all catalogued classes. On the Friday evening we continue to have Local Riding Pony Classes for Ponies & Riders within a 25 mile radius of the Show – entries for which will be taken on the field from 2.30pm. In a change to previous years, entries will be taken on the field for all Horse and Pony classes with the exception of Clydesdale Section

Cattle Section

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The Association is pleased to welcome judges from all over the British Isles to cast their expert eye over the cream of the crop being exhibited at this years Ballymoney Show. With around 90 classes of British and Continental breeds to choose from the exhibitors have plenty of choice and work ahead of them to continue the high standards we see year after year.

Sheep Section

Once again we have a vast range of sheep classes open for entry, and with the number of sheep exhibitors going up every year, the prize money in this sector is hotly competed after.

Goat Section

The year sees 12 classes available for entry in the Goat Section, and some silverware up for grabs.

Poultry Section

After the very successful introduction of Poultry Classes to Ballymoney Show, we continue to have a vast choice of classes for entry with exhibitors having almost 75 classes to choose from.

Home Industries, Photographic and Schools Section

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As in previous years we have numerous classes in a variety of areas to capture the talents of our local ladies (and gents). In the Schools section we have an ever increasing number of entries from the local kids, which not only acts as a great showcase to show off their work, but entitles each exhibiting child free entry into the show.

North Antrim Agricultural Association is made up of a Board of Directors and a very enthusiastic show committee comprising of members from the three local Young Farmers Clubs – Finvoy, Kilraughts and Moycraig. Once again they take on the huge task of preparing the grounds, stewarding the classes and running an exciting entertainment programme for the 2 days. They are led by their Chairman; Neal McGinley, Secretary; Alison Smyth, Treasurer; Trevor Gilmour and Press Officer; Carol McMullan. Judges for this years show have already been confirmed, and we will be glad to be welcoming visiting judges from all over the British Isles and Ireland.

The Show Association gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance given by the sponsors who have provided special prize money and are deeply indebted to those donors who have augmented the prize money by their subscriptions. A full list of sponsors is detailed in the schedules which can be obtained from the Show Secretary Mrs Alison Smyth, 5 Millrush Court, Portstewart BT55 7GX. (Tel; 028 70835642) or alternatively check out our website for details. Entries close 17th May.